Documentation

Social Issues Involved in Using Computer Networks and the Internet

Bibliography:
Vedder, A. and Wachbroit, R. (2004). Reliability of information on the internet: some
distinctions. Ethics and Information Technology, 5, 211-215. Retrieved May 6, 2010 from http://arno.uvt.nl/show.cgi?fid=14203

Abstract:
In this contribution, we identify and clarify some distinctions we believe are useful in establishing the reliability of information on the internet. We begin by examining some of the salient features of information that go into the determination of reliability. In so doing, we argue that we need to distinguish content and pedigree criteria of reliability of information from the issues of the accessibility and the usability of information. We then turn to an analysis of some common failures to recognize reliability or unreliability.

Salient points:
The reliable information is the justified information that means justified in believing and information we can trust. There are two broad categories criteria we can use to determine the reliability of information; the content and pedigree criteria. Content criteria means the condition or criteria of reliability that are a function of the content of the information itself while pedigree criteria is the conditions or criteria of reliability that are a function of the source of information. Accessibility and usability are the other features of information that is linked with the reliability of information. Determining reliability consists to a large extent in recognizing that the appropriate pedigree criteria are satisfied. Failure to recognize the reliability of the information can take many forms: the appropriate pedigree criteria might be missing or inadequate, even though adequate pedigree criteria is are present, the underlying credibility conferring institution might not be recognized as such by a particular user, and pedigree criteria can sometimes appear to conflict with each other or with content criteria.


Summary:
The article is about some distinctions that could be useful in identifying or establishing the reliability of information in the internet. This includes the content and pedigree criteria, accessibility and usability of information and some points in recognizing reliability.


Reaction:
With the presence of technology, the spread of information is really fast. We have now so called information explosion. Information is just all around use adding to that is the information in the internet that is really huge. One keyword search can lead you to hundreds or thousands related articles. The question is, is the information reliable? Is the information to be trusted?
In the introduction of the article, it says that the problem in determining the reliability of information in the internet has become increasingly important as more and more people get their information form the Internet. This is really true. Web is the first most of the people are now turning to the internet as their source of information because of convenience and accessibility. Unknowingly that some information in the internet is not the reliable especially that anyone can make its own writings post it in the internet because nobody owns the internet meaning nobody can control the information being uploaded. We cannot really determine how reliable the information is.
Many authors in different articles have set special guidelines in determining the reliability of information. Perhaps as a librarian and information specialist, whom some clients trusted for their information needs, we have to be aware of these guidelines that are needed in order for us to determine the reliable information. We have to be extra careful in evaluating information in the Internet. Thus, we can give the reliable information resources to the clients.

Information Networks and Resource Sharing: Presentation and Sharing

Article 1:
Bibliography:
Epstein, H. (1980). The Technology of Library and Information Networks. Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 31(6), 425-437. Retrieved May 8, 2010 from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text database. http://www.search.ebscohost.com

Abstract:
Current online library network technology is described, including the physical and functional aspects of networks. Three types of networks are distinguished: search service (e.g., SDC, Lockheed), customized service that provide bibliographic files (e.g., OCLC, Inc., RLIN), and service center (e.g., NELINET, INCOLSA). It is predicted that as technology evolves more services will be provided outside the library directly to the user through his home or office.

Salient points:
There are three types of networks: search service, customized service and service center networks. These same networks can now be described by the form of network technology utilized by the network. There are the centralized and distributed network architecture and current network limitations. There are also nine new trends in networking: 1) There will be a continual array of new service and product offerings; 2) Many of these offerings will have a significant impact on the services offered by libraries and the form of these services;
3.) Vendors of particular service, such as circulation or cataloging, will expand their services to other areas with high overlap of services between vendors of different services; 4) Vendors of different services are building interfaces between their services, sometimes creating new services; 5) Interfaces of stand-alone systems into “subnetworks,” which in turn will become larger networks and eventually part of the “national network” will continue throughout the 1980’s; 6) Online networks are considering offering services normally considered stand-alone, such as circulation, serials check-in, local online catalogs, and regional ILL; 7) Planning of network services among users will improve as more clearly defined and technically reasonable requirements, schedules, and priorities are generated and documented; 8) As technology continues to improve in power and decrease in cost, there will be additional activities supported at the regional and local library levels; and 9)The “national database” will not be a single database but rather a highly distributed and hierarchical network of databases.

Summary:
The article is about the online library network technology. It describe the physical and functional aspects of these networks: the network services and products provided, the form of terminals and network communication utilized, the factors affecting network growth, and an overview of network cost factors for each type of network. Centralized and distributed network architecture, current network limitations, and the future trends in networking are then described in terms of the physical and functional aspects.

Reaction:
Looking at the trends in networking in the USA (the article is written in 1980), I think they have already achieved it today. The trends they have before maybe our trends in networking here in the Philippines. The Philippines is still way behind comparing to other countries in terms of technology. Just what they have said, the obsolete technology of the first world countries is given to the third world countries. But still, we are still grateful to have the technologies in our hands.
The libraries in the Philippines are still struggling to cope up with the different trends brought by the technology. Hopefully that in the future we can also achieved what other countries have achieved in networking.


Article 2:

Bibliography:
Posner, B. (2007). Library Resource Sharing in the Early Age of Google. Library Philosophy & Practice, 9(3), 1-10. Retrieved May 8, 2010 from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text database. http://www.search.ebscohost.com

Abstract:
The article examines whether Web-based information services represent a threat to library resource sharing or a new opportunity for librarians to help patrons overcome the constraints of distance and access information and materials. A brief historical overview of the development of technologies for interlibrary loan (ILL) and document delivery (DD) is provided. In addition, it discusses the impact of online information services on the trends in library resource sharing.

Salient points:
The distinct points of view of individual patrons, librarians and society about the impact of web-based information services on theses trends in library resource sharing.




Summary:
The article is about the discussion on the distinct points of view of individual patrons, librarians and society about the impact of web-based information services on these trends in library resource sharing.

Reaction:
Resource sharing among the libraries is very much needed nowadays. This is for the betterment of the information access services of the library. With the presence of the internet, information access can be anywhere. We could see the danger of it because some information is not reliable. Our clients will acquire so much information that will bring them confusion on what is the real truth on a certain thing. This will led us to the phrase that we are information rich but knowledge poor.
The attitude of the information seeker in the library when they are not satisfied with our services is to turn their back and go to the internet café then will never come back. The satisfaction they have achieved because of the easier access of information on the internet will let them depend too much in the information in the internet.
Thus, if resource sharing is in the library, where the one library can lend his materials to other library and vice versa, this can satisfy the users. They will return to the library for their next research. That way, we can be assured that the information they search is the reliable one.